China showcased itself as an alternative to U.S.-led global order in its historic parade this week as Trump dismissed concerns over deepening alliances among Washington’s adversaries.
Catch up: China staged its largest-ever military parade Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, with President Xi Jinping declaring the nation’s “great rejuvenation” unstoppable. The 70-minute spectacle featured advanced weaponry designed to rival American power, including the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and what appeared to be a new DF-61 hypersonic missile designed to outpace U.S. defenses.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stood by Xi in an unprecedented display of unity among America’s adversaries. More than 20 foreign heads of state attended, with Western allies largely staying away. The parade doubled as a weapons sales pitch to potential buyers while demonstrating China’s rapid military technological advancement.
Trump responds: President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about the deepening alliance, telling conservative pundit Scott Jennings in his radio show, “We have the strongest military in the world” and “They would never use their military on us.”
On Truth Social, Trump wrote sarcastically to Xi, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” Both Beijing and Moscow have pushed back on the allegation: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China “never targets any third party in developing diplomatic relations with any country,” while Putin aide Yuri Ushakov dismissed Trump’s remarks as potentially ironic, stressing that “no one was plotting” against the U.S.
Despite his criticism, Trump later praised the parade as a “beautiful ceremony,” though he faulted China for not acknowledging the U.S.’ World War II sacrifices.
Meanwhile, the European Union warns the event represents a deliberate attempt to build an anti-Western “new world order.”
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